General
Great Cormorant: Largest North American comorant is black with bright yellow throat pouch bordered with white feathers. Females are similar, juveniles have brown upperparts and white belly.
Range and Habitat
Great Cormorant: Found along the Atlantic Coast of North America. Breeds in the northern part of its range from Newfoundland and Labrador, though the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and south to New England. Winters along the coast from New England south to northern Florida. Prefers rocky coasts with sheltered inshore waters.
Breeding and Nesting
Great Cormorant: Three to five pale blue or green eggs incubated by both sexes 28 to 31 days in a nest of twigs, seaweed, and refuse, lined with grasses and moss on high ground.
Foraging and Feeding
Great Cormorant: Dives for fish and crustaceans.
Vocalization
Great Cormorant: Usually silent. Low groan during breeding.
Similar Species
Great Cormorant: Double-crested Cormorant is smaller with orange throat patch.